Mid-Market Report: U.S. IPO Market Surging in 2014

So far, 2014 is a very strong year for mid-market companies seeking to go public. In fact, companies backed by private equity are benefitting from the best climate for IPOs in more than a decade.

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According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, there were about 160 IPOs in the first half of the year, compared to 238 in all of 2013. That puts 2014 on-track for the highest IPO volume since the dotcom era, which peaked in 2000.

Quaker Chemical is buying specialty grease manufacturer ECLI Products for $52 million. Quaker says the deal expands its high-end grease business and positions the company for future growth. It plans to operate ECLI as a wholly-owned subsidiary and an independent entity.

Avion Pharmaceuticals has signed a licensing agreement with Ligand Pharmaceuticals to develop four new products. Avion says under the terms of the deal, Ligand is entitled to receive an upfront payment and revenue from sales, potential milestone payments and royalties.